Pakim Pond Loop Trail (Mt. Misery Trail) is a 13.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Woodland Township, New Jersey that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
birding
hiking
mountain biking
nature trips
road biking
trail running
walking
forest
lake
views
wild flowers
wildlife
From the NJ Turnpike, take exit 7 and follow Route 206 south to Route 38 east, to second traffic light, then turn onto Magnolia Road (Route 644). Follow Magnolia Road until you come to the Four-Mile Circle. From the circle take Route 72 east, at mile marker 1 make a left. There is a forest entrance sign on your left as you turn in. Take the first right and the office is on the left. [source: NJ.gov Byrne] The Park is situated between routes 70 and 72 by the Four Mile Circle.
better than pavement....
Kinda boring. All flat and not much to see. Enjoyed the pond
The trail mentioned here is called "Mount Misery Trail" (white blazes) it is 8.5 miles and to make a loop you have to complete the trail using the Cranberry Trail (red blazes) adding 1 mile making the loop 9.5 miles. It is a good hike with little in the way of difficulty; a few wet spots, some loose sandy soil, and some roots that make one spot a little hard on the ankles. But if you can handle the distance, this is a fairly easy hike. There are also other options for shorter hikes from the same place. You can pickup a trail map at the Park Office to the left of the front door, (outside the door).
I enjoyed a nice ride from the office parking lot, along the Cranberry Trail to Pakim Pond, where I picked up the Mt. Misery Trail. I waited till a cold fall day, to avoid the dreaded chiggers and ticks that plague this area. The trails were mostly nice for riding, though there were several sandy sections. Overall these were few. Leaves and pine needles covered much of the sand. Some sections were very closed in with branches and vines, but this didn't last long. There are no hills, despite the name Mt. Misery. Once you get deep into the forest, it feels very lonely and secluded. Overall a nice woods ride, not many obstacles. If you start/end where I did, it's about 12.5 miles.
NJ Pine Barrens - nice scenery!